FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2005
Release #05-142
KitchenAid(r) Recall Hotline: (800) 874-0608
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC, Whirlpool Announce Recall of KitchenAid(r) Toasters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: KitchenAid(r) ProLine(r) Toasters
Units: About 40,000
Importer: Whirlpool Corp., of Benton Harbor, Mich.
Hazard: An interruption of power to the toaster can cause the heating
elements to unexpectedly self-start and could ignite any flammable items
left on top of the unit, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Whirlpool has received three reports of incidents
involving heating elements unexpectedly self-starting, including one
case outside the U.S. in which items on top of a toaster caught on fire.
There are no reports of personal injury or property damage.
Description: The recalled KitchenAid(r) ProLine(r) countertop toasters
are painted die-cast metal or stainless steel and come in 2-slice or
4-slice models. The model and serial numbers, which are on labels
affixed to the bottom of the toasters, include:
2 - Slice Models
KPTT780PM KPTT780ER
KPTT780BU KPTT780TG
4 - Slice Models
KPTT890PM KPTT890ER
KPTT890BU KPTT890TG
Serial Numbers of the recalled products begin with the letters "WTP..."
or "WTR..."
Sold through: Various catalogs and specialty retailers nationwide from
August 2003 through January 2005 for between $250 and $300.
Manufactured in: China.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the toaster
and contact KitchenAid(r) to arrange for a free replacement. Consumers
should not return the toaster to the retailer where it was purchased, as
retailers are not prepared to take them back.
Consumer Contact: Consumers should call KitchenAid(r) at (800) 874-0608
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or between 10 a.m.
and 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, or go to the firm's Web site at
www.KitchenAid.com/repair.